Almost 12 schools for girls were targeted in Chilas, about 130 kilometres from Gilgit on Thursday night, said Police officials. 

According to initial reports, unidentified men attacked 12 schools for girls across Diamer district and damaged school property. The attackers also torched some items in the schools. 

The Police reports, "Explosions were also set off in two schools."  

Police have started a search operation in the area to arrest those responsible. 

Moreover, according to the district administration authorities, the schools that were attacked were under-construction. Officials added that they will ensure adequate measures are taken to safeguard schools and students. 

Later on, after the attacks, local residents staged a protest at Siddique Akbar Chowk demanding the arrest of culprits and seeking safety for educational institutes. 

Girls's schools are often the target of attack in the northern areas of Pakistan.

Earlier, in December 2011, at least two girls' schools were partially damaged in low-intensity explosions in Chilas.  Earlier that year, unidentified assailants had also blown up two girls' schools.

The year 2004 also saw a string of attacks on girls' schools in Chilas. Nine schools of which eight were girls' schools were attacked and destroyed in five days in the area in February 2004.